Varnali came to Kholinar with other elders and listeners to attend the signing of a treaty with the Alethi and the accompanying feast.[1] After the listeners arrived, the Alethi King Gavilar Kholin gave Eshonai a black sphere and told her that the Five should know of his intent to release their gods.[2] Eshonai reported back to Varnali and the rest of the Five; they were shocked and quickly came to the agreement that Gavilar must be killed in order to prevent his plan.[2] They ordered their newly purchased Truthless, Szeth, to assassinate the king.[3]

Varnali, Gangnah, and Klade remained behind in the wake of Gavilar's death while their people escaped.[1] The three listeners went to Gavilar's rooms and spoke to Brightlady Jasnah Kholin, taking full responsibility for Gavilar's death, but they offered no explanation beyond the fact that they were attempting to avoid the return of their gods. They were hanged for their crime, and the War of Reckoning began.[1]